direct from the bookies mouth

Hi acorn83,

Welcome to the forum, and well done for your post.

I quote from your post: “Least I have something to show for my money that way” is a brilliant way of realizing how much gambling takes away from you. I’m also glad that that has registered with you, and hopefully, you’re going to continue to access our help and support to overcome your gambling addiction.

To add to your realization of how gambling affects you, it becomes worse if you don’t do anything about it, and it can easily get out of control. I’ll advise that you cut your losses now, and focus on your recovery so you can look to a gamble free future.

Maybe, now is the time for you to find an alternative to your gambling time; try and distract yourself from gambling by filling in your spare time with activities/ hobbies which have no links to gambling at all. If you do this, it will also help to stop you from becoming bored.

Avoiding boredom is essential in this matter if you have to stop yourself from relapsing when in recovery. I’ll also suggest that you continue to read the post from our Chatroom/ Forum for more strategies to put in place to help you overcome your gambling problems.

Perhaps you’ll like to contact our free phone Helpline on 0808 8020 133 and speak to one of our advisers for more help and support. We’re open everyday from 8.00am to midnight.

Thanks again for your post, and please do post as often as you can.

Best wishes,

Beatrice

Hi Beatrice

Thanks I've already booked to see a counsellor and haven't really entered a bookies at all since joining

I've filled my time with lots and lets just say my house has had a lovely clean which is one of the things I do to keep busy

walking past a bookies is hard and the best thing is I've packed in smoking too so it's strange actually having money

I've decided to put all my wages into my wife's bank account each week (she hardly touches her card, only for transport and the odd bit of food)

so we're seeing a huge difference already

I now know if I want something I can buy it without worrying about gambling/ smoke money

I make my own lunch to take to work.. That way no bank card at work on dinner hour means no bookies

My things I'm doing to pass the time:

1. Cleaning

2. Walking dogs -long long walks in the opposite direction of a bookies as bookies allow dogs in :/

3. Running

4. Valeting my car

5. food shopping

6. Asking for more overtime at work but shifts with no breaks such as 4 hour shifts

7. Visiting family and friends

8. Video gaming

9. Films

10. Cinema trips

11. Gym

How did I even have time to go to the bokkies?

Bear in mind the payout discrepancy is more a case of people not pulling out until their money is gone. I'ts pretty normal